A Richmond County sheriff’s deputy was arrested and fired today after investigators say she broke the law while wearing the badge.
Deputy Diana Santiago, who has been with the sheriff’s office since May 2020, now faces three felony charges including gang activity and drug conspiracy. She was booked into the local jail after being questioned and terminated.
What’s Happening: Santiago was brought in for questioning around 3:45 p.m. today by the Criminal Investigations Division. The charges against her include:
- Violation of Oath of Office
- Conspiracy to Purchase or Possess a Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Street Gang Activity
The Big Picture: Sheriff Eugene Brantley said his office will not allow deputies to break the law or betray public trust. He praised the investigators who worked the case and said most deputies serve with honor.
“We will not tolerate anyone within our ranks engaging in criminal acts or conduct that violates the public trust. The vast majority of our deputies serve honorably and work hard every day to protect and serve the citizens of Richmond County. I commend the investigators who conducted this case professionally and thoroughly. Accountability begins within our own agency, and we will continue to take every necessary step to ensure the integrity of this office and the confidence of our community,” Brantley said.
The Sources: Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
